Dear Friends, 

I hope this spring finds you all healthy. I’m sure many of you would agree that life in Connecticut seems to move at an incredible pace. Every year life seems to be moving faster than the year before. Weren’t we all just worried about Y2K?

The transportation industry has faced many difficulties and changes over the past few years. The tragedies of 9/11 seemed to coincide with the downturn in the economy here in Connecticut. These two factors alone caused an increase in many of our expenses. Our auto insurance has more than doubled to almost $5,000.00 per vehicle per year. This increase occurred even though we had a zero claims record in our 15 years of service.  

During this time period we also saw a decrease in travel due to the economy and people’s fear of traveling. I am very happy to say, we have weathered the storm. Over the past 9 months we have seen a definite increase in travel among our clients and customers. It is my hope and prayer that this trend continues. 

During the past few years, even with our costs increasing exponentially, our rates did not increase because of the economy. I just didn’t feel the time was right for our customers. While we have survived the storm of 9/11 and the economy, we now are facing rising gas prices. This past week the price of gas has increased almost 30¢ a gallon. Since last August, we have seen an increase of almost 50¢ per gallon of gas. This drastic increase has led us to the implementation of a $5.00 gas surcharge per trip. We will make every effort to remove this surcharge if, and when gas prices go back down.

In March of 2003, I applied to Connecticut DOT for an additional authority to expand our service to Bradley International Airport (BDL). This is a very long and difficult process, which culminates with a hearing in which you have to prove your need for this authority. After our hearing in July of 2003, this authority was granted to us. I was told that KEE Limousine was the first company in Connecticut to be granted this authority in 2003.

There has been a great increase in our clients using BDL Airport. Due to this increase, we will also be applying this July to the CT DOT to once again expand our abilities to service BDL.

An added feature this CT DOT permit offered us is the ability to apply with BDL for AVI status. We subsequently applied and were granted this status. Our vehicles are now authorized vehicles at BDL, and we are able to drive up to the curb in the inner lane. While we are unable to leave the vehicles unattended at the curbside, this greatly shortens the walk for our passengers upon their arrival into BDL. During bad weather, our customers also stay protected from the elements. I still get a kick out of driving past the “Authorized Vehicles Only” signs.

My family and I would like to thank you all for your continued patronage over the past few years. I look forward to being of service to you in the future.  

Kirk E. Englund